Comedian Unwittingly Stars in Elaborate TV Prank

Danish comedian Rasmus Wallbridge spent four months believing he was making a feature film with his creative partner Martin Johannes Larsen, only to discover it was actually an elaborate television prank filmed with hidden cameras. The show, titled 'Everyone Loves Rasmus' (Alle elsker Rasmus), premiered on TV 2's platforms on October 26, 2026, and was deleted five days later after a national outcry. Over 149 people were involved in the production, including various Danish celebrities, most of whom knew the true nature of the project while Wallbridge was deceived. Hidden cameras were placed in locations including behind mirrors, disguised as coffee cups and USB sticks, and even sewn into Wallbridge's own clothing. Wallbridge was told the truth before the show aired and reportedly had the power to block the broadcast, though critics argued he may have feared career repercussions given the number of influential figures involved. The show drew widespread criticism for gaslighting Wallbridge, with TV host Anna Lin saying it "should be called Everyone Bullies Rasmus, because that's what they do." At the end of the episode, recycled laughter from an earlier scene was used, leading TV 2's content director Ulla Pors to launch an internal investigation and admit the series "should not have been made." Danish celebrities who participated faced relentless attacks on social media, including physical threats. TV 2 responded that while criticism was legitimate, the "extent of hate messages and direct threats against the participants, their families, and others involved in the production... has reached a level that no one should have to endure." Wallbridge is currently "lying low" according to Danish digital identity advisor William Aturk, while his upcoming comedy shows are reportedly sold out. The Spectator noted the show's resemblance to Peter Weir's 1998 film The Truman Show, which was selected for the US National Film Registry for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. Larsen apologized, saying the series was meant as a homage to Wallbridge rather than mockery.